Shark Fin Bill S-238 passes committee and moves to third reading in senate! Published By Alexandra Heilbron on Feb 08, 2018

Canadian federal bill S-238, The Ban on Shark Fin Importation and Exportation Act has been passed unanimously by the senate committee, with amendments to‎ include derivatives and exportation.

The Act, cited as the Ban on Shark Fin Importation and Exportation Act, includes the Clause 3 Amendment: “No person shall, except under and in accordance with a permit issued pursuant to subsection 10(1.1), import or export, or attempt to import or export, into or from Canada shark fins or parts of shark fins that are not attached to a shark carcass, or any derivatives of shark fins. “

It also includes the Clause 4 Amendment: "The Minister may, on application and on such terms and conditions as the Minister thinks fit, issue a permit authorizing the importation or exportation of shark fins or parts of shark fins that are not attached to a shark carcass, or any derivatives of shark fins, if the Minister is of the opinion that (a) the importation or exportation is for the purpose of scientific research relating to shark conservation that is conducted by qualified persons."

The next step in the process will find the committee's report presented to the entire Senate for adoption. Then Senator MacDonald will begin the third reading debate, then on to the House of Commons.

This is a huge victory for sharks, whose populations continue to be decimated by the global shark fin trade. Over 100 shark species are now threatened or endangered with extinction.

Congratulations to Senator MacDonald for his success in having this bill passed through committee and moved onto the third reading!

To sign the petition to ban the import of shark fins across Canada, click here.

To sign the petition to ban the trade of shark fins in the U.S., click here.